Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2022 - 2023

Module Title	Analyses in Pharmacology, Immunology and Microbiology
Module Code	BE403
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr Brendan O'Connor	Office Number	X222
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of this module is to provide students with a basic understanding of pharmacology, and in particular the area of bio-pharmacology. In this module, students will examine the modern-day analytical methods used in the pharmaceutical industry in the production and validation of biological molecules such as recombinant proteins and antibodies. Students will also explore the downstream implementation and integration of these molecules across a number of innovative and ground-breaking diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Learning Outcomes

1. Differentiate between chemical/pharma and biopharma/biologics drug analysis
2. Illustrate advanced bioanalytical techniques for pharma/biopharma separations
3. Understand the approaches and theory behind conventional proteomic analysis
4. Understand the use and application of antibodies in modern-day bio-analytical and therapeutic strategies
5. Understand the critical features of an antibody-based array and how this approach can be developed into point-of-care devices
6. Understand the ethical considerations that need to be applied in the work flow when developing and validating an immunoassay

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Online activity	24	Lectures will be delivered face to face and become available online via upload to Loop for students to view over the course of the module
Tutorial	6	Tutorials will be scheduled informally after the delivery of content to cover the syllabus examined in such, and also allow for students to ask questions on course content to date
Independent Study	80	Students will be required to study independently for CA essay and the final exam
Online activity	15	Students will complete CA essay on the content just learned
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Course Description
This module will cover two key analytical streams utilised in modern day pharmacology. The first half of the module will focus on proteomic analysis. Students will learn of the applications and practical implementation of methodologies such as 2D PAGE, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and CZE in the analyses of chemically- and biologically-derived protein drugs, with emphasis on differences between the nature of biopharma- and pharma-drugs The second half of the module will focus on a popular biological molecule used in both analytical and therapeutic contexts; antibodies. Students will learn about the isolation and characterisation of antibodies and their use in cell therapies and diagnostic platforms. Specific attention will be afforded to the technologies used in antibody discovery such as single-cell screening, the use of biosensors, and array-based approaches.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	10%	Examination Weight	90%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Kenneth Murphy,Casey Weaver: 2016, Janeway's Immunobiology, Garland Science, 081534550X
Jennifer E. Van Eyk,Michael J. Dunn: 2008, Clinical Proteomics, Wiley-Blackwell, 9783527316373

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

AS	BSc in Analytical Science
SHSA	Study Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

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